FRENCH CAMP – The San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force on Monday uncovered a massive marijuana growing operation in a cornfield in the 9400 block of South Endow Road in French Camp, authorities said.

FRENCH CAMP – The San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force on Monday uncovered a massive marijuana growing operation in a cornfield in the 9400 block of South Endow Road in French Camp, authorities said.

Agents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations joined the investigation Tuesday at the request of the task force, officials said. Authorities continued to search the field, where they located nearly 16,000 marijuana plants concealed with planted corn, officials said. The street value of the marijuana was estimated at $32 million, authorities said.

Nom Chanthala, 47, and Tim Sang Chanthala, 45, both of Stockton, and Duangchai Pradabseng, 50, of Fresno were arrested on suspicion of cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale, officials said.

“This is a substantial and sophisticated growing operation that was hidden quite well from detection,” said Capt. Chris Pehl, who oversees the narcotics task force. “We are extremely grateful for the assistance from our law enforcement partners with this investigation.”

Read Wednesday's Record for more on this story by staff writer Jason Anderson.